Builds on
literal sentence reading
Today
separate literal image from intended lesson
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Opportunity and patience
น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก
When the water rises, hurry to scoop it.
Use an opportunity while it is available.
ช้าๆ ได้พร้าเล่มงาม
Slowly, one gets a fine machete.
Careful work can produce a better result.
เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่ว ต้องหลิ่วตาตาม
In the town of squinting people, squint along.
Adapt to local conventions.
Choices and appearances
หนีเสือปะจระเข้
Escape a tiger and meet a crocodile.
Escape one danger only to meet another.
จับปลาสองมือ
Catch fish with two hands at once.
Pursue two competing gains and risk losing both.
ไก่งามเพราะขน คนงามเพราะแต่ง
A chicken is beautiful for its feathers; a person for adornment.
Appearance is shaped by presentation.
Worked payoff — meaning is not word-for-word
น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก
Take the opportunity while it is there.
Recognize proverbs as fixed expressions; do not construct new advice by swapping their words.